Ensemble Vivant, “Canada’s Chamber Music Treasure” (Toronto Star), receives accolades internationally and is a favourite wherever the group performs. Since its inception over 25 years ago, Ensemble Vivant has been a pioneer in the piano chamber music world, championing exciting, innovative programming ranging from classical to Latin and other jazz styles. Ensemble Vivant’s 12 recordings are heard on radio around the world, and in 2008 Opening Day Entertainment Group repackaged the group’s entire back catalogue. Led by pianist/artistic director Catherine Wilson, Ensemble Vivant is also known for its depth of artistry, passionate, virtuosic interpretations and engaging stage presence.

As jazz great Rick Wilkins, C.M. commented:

This is the highest-level chamber music-making. No matter the genre, there is magic in Ensemble Vivant’s music-making.

Ensemble Vivant’s month long tour in British Columbia in early 2015 was a triumphant success, including sold-out concerts, repeat invitations and rave reviews. The following review is from Kelowna, B.C. where the hall with capacity of 860 had been sold out for weeks in advance: “Led by a remarkable pianist, Catherine Wilson, Ensemble Vivant boasts a collection of musicians whose abilities and qualifications are second to none… a diversity of beautifully played music and sound (with vibes…Don Thompson, O.C.) from Bach to Piazzolla to Widor…wonderful interpretations…highlight of the Kelowna Community Concert Association series…I had the pleasure of spending time with the group after the concert, and they are a fun, humble and inspiring group of musicians…such tremendous mutual talent and respect within the ensemble…Merci, Ensemble Vivant.” (Neville Bowman, musician, composer, journalist)

Of Ensemble Vivant’s concert in April 2015 for the prestigious de Blasiis Chamber Music Series in Glens Falls, NY, the presenter received countless requests from the sold-out audience to “please have Ensemble Vivant return very soon.” And so, Ensemble Vivant has already been re-engaged to return to this coveted series in the spring of 2017.

Thanks again for a great performance and wonderful program…molti bravi to Ensemble Vivant!
(David Bullard, Artistic Director, de Blasiis Chamber Music Series, USA)

Ensemble Vivant is dedicated to fostering a love of great music among our youth. One of the ways the group does this is through the not-for-profit charitable musical organization EUTERPE. Renowned neuroscientist Dr. Laurel Trainor, founder of McMaster’s Institute for Music and the Mind, has endorsed the vitally important work Ensemble Vivant achieves through Euterpe: “The wonderful interactive, high-caliber performances of classical and jazz music that Euterpe (Ensemble Vivant) brings to our children and youth are of vital importance for planting the seeds of music in our lives and putting people on a path to be enriched by the benefits of music.”